July 20, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Smithers, Attractions
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One of my favorite ways to tour the Bulkley Valley is via the Glacier View Circle route, this loop takes about an hour to drive and has both paved and gravel sections as it runs along the scenic Telkwa High Road and a portion of Highway 16. As I did the drive today I enjoyed picturesque views of Kathlyn Glacier, rolling farms and points of interest. One of the best stops on the trip is Driftwood Provincial Park. Here I found a bridge and a nice easy walking trail to the fossil beds, and although visitors to the park may not remove fossils, I learned lots about the area’s cultural and geological history. The entire tour includes 9 sites of interest and a brochure that I picked up at the Smithers Visitor Center conveniently laid out each of these locations. I would definitely recommend doing the tour either early in the morning or late in the evening if you hope to see wildlife, especially late in July and into August when black bears frequent the berry bushes along the road.
July 19, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Armstrong, Farmers' Markets
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What a great opportunity to buy local food in a small community and knowing all the producers personally
July 18, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
New Hazelton, Attractions
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On our way up to Prince Rupert from Smithers, we stopped to explore yet another community I had never seen before - the village of Old Hazleton. Driving into town, not knowing what to expect, I was completely surprised and delighted by how beautiful and unique it was! Historic Hazelton is filled with heritage buildings dating back to 1900, which now house cute cafes, shops and much more. We stopped in at the Historic BC Cafe to grab a coffee to go and then went exploring in the old town. Walking down to the water, we took a peak in the S.S. Hazelton, a 90 foot steam powered sternwheeler replica that houses a beautiful art gallery and gift shop. In the neighbouring Polly Sargent Park, we stopped to admire the Skeena River and check out artifacts from Hazelton's steamboat days. As we headed back into town, I was overcome by the breathtaking views of the mountains surrounding the historic town. Old Hazelton is truly a unique northern attraction and I can't wait for the next time I have a chance to spend some time there to explore everything is has to offer!
July 18, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince Rupert, Dining
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We've reached our final destination on our northwest BC adventure - the beautiful city of Prince Rupert! After checking into the Crest Hotel and settling into our ocean view room, we set out to explore Cow Bay to find a spot to grab some dinner. We decided on Breaker's Pub, a place we had heard was known for great food and awesome wildlife sightings. We grabbed a table by the window, overlooking the ocean and surrounding mountains, and it was not long until we spotted our first bald eagle! Throughout the evening, we saw several more eagles, a hawk and even a seal playing in the water - they weren't kidding about the wildlife! For dinner I had some delicious panko breaded halibut and chips, and I was thoroughly impressed by the service and the overall experience of the evening. Then on our way back to the hotel, we walked right by a deer! My first evening in Prince Rupert was definitely a good one, with excellent food, stunning wildlife and great company. I can't wait to see what I'll discover in Prince Rupert tomorrow!
July 18, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince Rupert, Cultural, Community or Seasonal
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Last month I had the great fortune of visitng Prince Rupert for the annual festival of Seafest! This years festival was very important for more reasons than one, but was incredible in so many ways. This was the first year that I had ever attended Seafest, but from my first visit I would say that I would be intersted in returning again in future years.
This years version of Seafest was also the 50th Anniversary of the Canadian Coast Guard. Because of this, the Coast Guard played a significant role and their half-century anniversary celebrated. From a 3-on-3 basketball tournament, street hockey games, a scavenger hunt in the streets for free vouchers and coupons for local establishments, incredible sea and air races and competitions on the Sunday, an amazing parade to open up the weekend, and tremendous live music all weekend long...just to name a few of the amazing activities that took place over the weekend.
Saturday was an incredible day for weather, and from talking to various locals and others that had been to other Seafest festivals in the past had told me that this weather was a strange but welcome surprise. But then the Sunday came along and it didn't stop raining all day, so that brought back a little regularity for numerous returnees of the festival. I had been to Prince Rupert a couple times before, and on all prior occasions it had always been sunny and nice, so this rain was the surprise and differ from normal for me.
Seafest helped re-engage my love for the ocean and wish that I lived closer sometimes. Prince Rupert plays such a significant role on the west coast and with the 50th anniversay of the coast guard also being celebrated, helped someone like myself see the importance of the coast guard to the massive shipping and fishing industry that operates out of their port. All of the celebrations over the weekend made someone like myself that much more aware that while it was a fun and incredible festival, the people involved in the jobs, which the festival celebrated, and their location on the west coast made the meaning of the festival that much better. I feel from experiencing this festival, that each community should have a festival celebrating the industries that are important and support them, while also bringing friends and family together to have a good time; which is something I feel Seafest did a great job of accomplishing.
The whole weekend was a big celebration for the Canadian Forces, the Canadian Coast Guard, and Prince Ruperts very important and strategic position it maintains on the Pacific west coast. It was a great weekend, with some really amazing weather, that I am sure to return to again sometime in the near future!
July 17, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Houston, Attractions
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This week I was able to embark on a totally new experience. By signing up at the Houston Visitor Center I was able to go on a mill tour later that day. I got to put on all the equipment a regular mill employee wears (not including the steel toed shoes) and tour throughout the entire mill. Starting outside we saw as the logs were prepped and sent into the sawmill. We then went into the sawmill ourselves and had some of our questions answered by mill employees. From the sawmill we then got to see the planer. From the planer we saw as the lumber was packaged and placed on train cars. The whole trip was very informative and loud.
It was very nice to have the chance to see what goes on in a mill setting. I had many opportunities to stop and take a picture and just watch as the lumber was being split and sorted. The fact that the Visitor Center offers two tours three days a week was great as well. The tour was able to suit my schedule.
If you are looking to explore somewhere new, make sure to take the opportunity to explore Canfor Mill. As one of the few areas that allow mill tours to operate, it is truly a must see attraction.
July 17, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Smithers, Dining
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Exploring northern BC really works up an appetite! During my day in Smithers, I decided to check out Trackside Cantina, which serves up fresh and delicious Mexican cuisine. Since it was a beautiful day, my friend and I grabbed a table on the patio to enjoy the sun and the gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains. With its colourful decor and lively music, it really felt like a little piece of Mexico in the valley! Everything on the menu sounded delicious but I finally decided on the chicken quesadilla with rice and beans. When our food arrived, we were not disappointed! The food was fresh and tasty, and we both thoroughly enjoyed our meals. With quick service, a fun and festive atmosphere, and delicious Mexican cuisine, I would definitely recommend Trackside Cantina as a place to stop for a bite in Smithers!
July 17, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Smithers, Arts, Culture & History Tours
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This afternoon, I had the chance to explore the Bulkley Valley Museum in Smithers. The museum is housed in a beautiful heritage building built in 1925, which used to serve as the Smithers Court House. After signing the guest book, and browsing through the names of visitors from around the world, I began to explore the many exhibits and artifacts on display. I started out with the glacier exhibit, which describes how these awe-inspiring frozen rivers have shaped our beautiful British Columbian landscape. Next I checked out the fossil display, which showcases some fascinating prehistoric remains of the valley. Moving through the rest of the exhibits, I learned all about the social and technological development of Smithers and the Bulkley Valley. One thing I was surprised and interested to learn about was Smithers' "Gift to Civilization"-the invention of the egg carton! Smithers' resident Joseph Coyle created this handy little invention in 1911, as well as many other valuable everyday items like the first automobile anti-theft club and pocket cigarette cutter. I had a chat with the friendly staff, browsed through the cozy gift shop and then went on my way feeling very much informed about the history of the beautiful Bulkley Valley.
July 17, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Fort St. John, Recreation Sports
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I absolutely love how bright and warm our summer nights are! Lately, the sun hasn’t set until 10 o’clock so the light evenings provide plenty of time for leisure activities. It seems the longer the sun is out, the later I stay up so my sleep has been lacking, but I feel that I truly am making the most of my summer. The last couple of nights after I’ve gotten off work, I have hit the paved walking trails that surround Fort St. John. During the evenings, the trails are flooded with people walking, running, biking, and rollerblading. These paths are also very popular spots for dogs and strollers. The extensive trail system extends for over 10 km with a variety of starting points and many interpretive signs. My favourite area of the route extends north on 100th street and then west towards the west by-pass road because the path is surrounded by lush vegetation. With summer in full-swing, the countless shades of green can be enjoyed while getting some exercise. The other night, I saw several beautiful wild roses, bluebells, and many other colorful flowers that I unfortunately couldn’t identify. Moose, beavers, and birds also occupy the area, so I suggest always being out on the lookout for wildlife! It’s great that I can enjoy the wilderness while walking on a paved trail right inside the city’s limits.
July 16, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Granisle, Attractions
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On my northwest BC road trip, I took a little detour to check out the community of Granisle. It was a gorgeous afternoon and I was absolutely blown away by the beauty of the surroundings. The community is situated on pristine Babine Lake, which is the longest freshwater lake in BC. The lake offers prime fishing and boating as well as a picnic area, which is the perfect spot to stop for snack. Also, the surrounding area provides plenty of hiking and camping opportunities. Granisle is a great place to enjoy the natural beauty of the north!